Organizers expect 15,000 people to take part in the event which raises money for HIV prevention, education and care.

A lot has changed for people diagnosed with AIDS and HIV since 1981 when the disease was first recognized.

Robb Reichard, executive director of the AIDS Fund which hosts the event, says however, the challenge is still to get people tested.

“People living with HIV can live long and healthy lives, because we have had many medical advancements, but unfortunately, in this country, one in five people who are HIV positive don’t know it because they haven’t been tested recently. So we will have HIV testing out at the walk.”

In addition, Reichard says only 25 percent of people living with HIV are successfully on treatment. He says that’s why it’s so important to get tested and know your status.